A Florida man has been arrested for a 'dine and dash' prank that ended up killing someone, authorities said.
Juan De Dios Rodriguez, 20, was arrested Tuesday for the death of restaurant manager Taian "Andrew" Tian, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said.
Rodriguez, who was with two other men, tried to leave a New Dynasty restaurant on July 14 without paying for a $35 meal, authorities said. He punched Tian knocking him to the ground and caused head trauma, which led to his death, the sheriff's office said.
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Rodriguez is a documented gang member with several weapons charges, the sheriff's office said. He is being held in jail without bond.
“This crime is a senseless tragedy,” Sheriff Tom Knight said in a news release. “It began with a bad decision to commit a ‘dine and dash’ prank and led to a far worse choice that resulted in the death of a much loved man. We are committed to making sure that Rodriguez is held responsible for his decisions and actions.”
